Jul 18, 20234 min read

7 Tips to Keep Horses Cool in Summer

Summer brings hot weather sweeping across the United States and, while for many this is an anticipated reprieve after the cold days of winter, our horses need special care to stay healthy when temperatures reach up into the 80s, 90s, and beyond.

Unlike dogs, horses can sweat. This gives them a defense against overheating on the hottest days of the year, however, that does not mean they cannot suffer the consequences of overheating. Horse owners need to remain vigilant throughout the summer to make sure their horses stay cool in the heat. These 7 summer horse care tips can help you keep your horse cool.

1. Provide ample fresh water

On hot, humid days, horses can consume upwards of 15 or more gallons of water a day. That means a stalled horse with two regular-size buckets (which hold about 5 gallons each) may not have enough water to stay hydrated on a hot day. Providing a horse with plentiful clean water is important in all seasons but even more so in the summer.

Two 5 gallon buckets of water — Providing two 5 gallon buckets of water may not be enough on a hot day

A horse in hard work can lose an astounding 2 to 4 gallons of water an hour in sweat. Without replenishing the lost fluids, a horse can become seriously ill or die. In general, it is advised to provide at least 20 gallons of cool, fresh water per horse per day. If troughs get low, dirty, or heat up in the sun, they should be refilled immediately.

2. Give your horse access to salt

When a horse sweats they do not only lose water, they also deplete the salts in their body which will have to be replaced. While some owners opt to feed loose salt directly into the horse's grain rations, providing a salt lick is a good way to allow the horse to manage their own salt intake.

A Himalayan salt lick is a popular way to add essential salt and trace minerals to a horses diet

Over the summer, a horse should have access to a salt lick, even if it is just in their stall at night. This will allow them to replenish the electrolytes in their body and encourage them to drink more.

3. Protect sensitive skin

Horses with pink skin or white patches on their faces are at risk of sunburn. Luckily, this is an easy fix. If your horse has any exposed pink skin, apply a baby-safe sunscreen whenever they are outside.

Chestnut horse in a fly mask — Fly masks can protect against bugs and the sun's harmful rays

Some horses also can have sensitive eyes that can get irritated in the summer. Especially horses with blue eyes or Halflingers, which have a predisposition to eye cancer, can benefit from wearing a fly mask when it is sunny out to shade their eyes.

4. Allow your horse to get out of the sun

Many horses are kept in small, dirt paddocks during the day, oftentimes in full sun. Temperatures in full sun can feel a whopping 10 to 15 degrees warmer than in the shade. Therefore, a horse forced to stand in the sun will be much hotter than one who has access to shade. If possible, it is more humane to give your horse access to shade in the summer.

Horse grazing under a tree — Trees are a good way to provide shade in a pasture

A three-sided shelter, pavilion, or trees can be a great way to provide somewhere cool for your horse on a hot day. If you cannot provide shade for your horse, it might be better to bring them in during the hottest parts of the day and let them out at night.

5. Use fans indoors

During the day, heat can build up inside a barn turning it into a stifling inferno by the end of the day. Bringing in some fans to attach to the ceiling, stall door, or to direct down the isle can keep hot air moving and cool down the space. If you live in a hot area and bring your horse inside, investing in some good barn fans is essential.

Barn fan — Well-placed fans can keep your barn cool year round

6. Hose horses down

Most riders hose their horses down after every ride when they get hot and sweaty. Hosing down with cool water is a great way to lower the horse's body temperature and leave them feeling cool and refreshed. For many, t is natural to hose off after a ride, however, on especially hot days, a quick hose down can help cool your horse off even when they haven't exercised.

Bay horse being washed down with hose — Hose horse's down to keep them cool

Especially if your horse spends most of their day in the direct sun, hosing off with some cool water can help them stay cool. Before putting your horse in a hot barn, hosing them off can help prevent overheating.

7. Ride in the morning or evening

For many riders, the summer months mean getting to spend more time in the saddle. However, hot summer days are not the ideal time to be working our horses. In general, experts advise against riding when the combined heat and humidity is over 180. Riders that want to exercise their horse can beat the heat by planning riders early in the morning or later in the evening when it tends to be cooler out.

Horse being ridden at sunset — Ride early or late to beat the heat

Avoiding riding in the sun during the hottest part of the day (2 pm and 4 pm) can help prevent overheating. If you need to work out your horse in the heat, limiting the intensity can keep your horse from getting too hot. A cool bath and a good drink after cooling off can help your horse recover from a strenuous ride in the heat.

Summers are exciting for many horse owners. Warmer weather and longer days often mean being able to spend more time at the barn. Following these 7 summer horse care tips can help ensure your horse has a comfortable and productive summer.